TOTO XIV will be released in the UK on 23rd March through Frontiers Music Srl, following a mainland European release and prior to it becoming available worldwide in various formats including a deluxe “making of” documentary DVD and expanded books, on CD, and as 2 album vinyl editions etc
TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between. However, the band personally consider the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.
Keyboardist Steve Porcaro revealed, “This is the opposite of going through the motions. We are treating this like it is TOTO V, our follow-up to TOTO IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can. Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for.” Keyboardist David Paich reflected, “I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness. There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, ‘beams of light that blast through the darkness'”.
As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members are said to have brought their A-game to the table. Guitarist Steve Lukather said, “When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody’s performances are top notch. We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what’s best for the music. I’m really excited to hear what people think.” Singer Joseph Williams added, “We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player. All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own.”
Founding bassist David Hungate returns to the fold, about whom Lukather commented, “No one plays like David Hungate.” Drums were performed by Keith Carlock whose commitments to Steely Dan prohibit him from participating in the 2015 World Tour. Shannon Forest will be behind the kit, and was a part of the band’s 2014 North American run. The guitarist further adding, “Shannon is a world class drummer and we are honored to have him back with us.”
The sessions were co-produced by CJ Vanston, who Paich looked upon as, “everything a producer is supposed to be and more – a musician’s producer.” Vanston stated, “There have never been better musicians on the planet, especially in a band together. This is an amazing record and I am completely thrilled to be a part of it. This is a dream job for me.”
Porcaro offers an additional thought stating, “I think the band is hit upon a very healthy creative tension for this project. I’m very excited about it.” While Williams reflected, “Just imagine being able to stand on stage in front of an enormous crowd of people, and you are playing great music with the best musicians in the world, and you look around, and they are some of your best friends in the world. It’s the best feeling any person could have.” While Porcaro stated, “It is kind of hard to find words of what it means to have a smile on your face to go to work every day and we have the fans to thank for that – so thank you.”
The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, Europe, a North American tour in the summer, and may tour Asia later in the year.
Historically, few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO. As individuals, the band members’ imprint can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. The band has received 225 Grammy nominations, sold 35 million albums, and continue to be a worldwide arena draw staging standing room only events across the globe. They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 35 plus years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base. It is not an exaggeration to estimate that 95% of the world’s population has heard a performance by a member of TOTO, and use the band’s name positively to help raise awareness of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease; that former bass player Mike Porcaro was diagnosed with, alongside fundraising activities.
The full track listing for TOTO XIV is: ‘Running Out Of Time’, ‘Burn’, ‘Holy War’, ‘21st Century Blues’, ‘Orphan’, ‘Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)’, ‘The Little Things’, ‘Chinatown’, ‘All The Tears That Shine’, ‘Fortune’ and ‘Great Expectations’.
Pre-order TOTO XIV on iTunes and you will receive Instant Grat tracks of ‘Burn’, ‘Orphan’ and ‘Holy War’.
TOTO 2015 UK TOUR DATES
5/21 Glasgow, UK Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
5/23 Dublin, Ireland Vicar Street (SOLD OUT)
5/25 Manchester, UK 02 Apollo Manchester
5/26 London, UK Apollo Hammersmith
